UNG Newsroom

UNG professor teaches kids to code in new book

May 14, 2015

Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science at UNG, signs copies of his book "Teach Your Kids to Code" recently at Campus Connection, the university's bookstore.

Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science in the University of North Georgia's Mike Cottrell College of Business, has released "Teach Your Kids to Code," a colorful programming book for children and parents.

"As a computer science professor, I often grade my students' apps at home in the evenings and my young sons would sometimes sit in my lap as I graded," Payne said. "My children kept coming up with fun ideas for making the programs and after some time, I had gathered a number of programs that my boys enjoyed."

"Teach Your Kids to Code" uses the programming language Python – the same language used by Google, IBM and in K-12 and university computer science courses – and helps parents teach their children how to draw shapes, program colors, and develop animation and fully playable games through computer programming. Payne spent more than two years planning and developing the book.

After its initial release, "Teach Your Kids to Code" spent its first week as the top new release in three programming categories as well as a brief period as the bestselling children's programming book on Amazon. The book has also received favorable mentions in the Wall Street Journal and GeekDad.com.

"Publications that can inform academicians or the general public are an important role of faculty members in the Mike Cottrell College of Business," said Dr. Russell Teasley, associate dean of faculty in the college. "Dr. Payne's book is a practical application of his field of knowledge that usefully impacts the broader society. Research and publications that occur at UNG make our communities and graduates stronger."

Payne said he has seen enrollment in UNG's computer science program grow significantly during the past few years, and is confident the trend will continue.

"Some of the most plentiful, highest-paying jobs in our region are computing-related, and this book gives parents, teachers and mentors a great way to give young people a head start," he said.

"Teach Your Kids to Code" is available from No Starch Press at Barnes & Noble, the UNG Bookstore, or online from Amazon or No Starch Press. Readers may save 30 percent off the cover price by using coupon code COOLKIDS at checkout from the No Starch Press website (http://www.nostarch.com/teachkids).